NL1002869C2 - Device and methods for transmitting electronic messages based on transmission priority; fax cover sheet with transmission priority code and computer device for generating transmission priority code. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for receiving and forwarding fax messages with control information and other information, which control information comprises destination address information and a transmission priority code, and which device is provided with: a memory decoding means connected to the memory for receiving the fax messages and for decoding the control information and for storing, for each fax message, the decoded control information together with the other information in the memory; fax forwarding means connected to the memory for reading, for each fax message, the decoded control information together with the other information out of the memory and for forwarding at least the other information of the fax message, a communication link being automatically selected on the basis of the transmission priority code and the instant in time of forwarding being determined within a time interval determined by the transmission priority code.

Description

Device and methods for transmitting electronic messages based on transmission priority; fax cover sheet with transmission priority code and computer device for generating transmission priority code.

5

The present invention relates to a device for receiving and transmitting electronic messages, each of which comprises at least a part with coded control information and other information, which control information comprises at least one group of destination address information, and which device comprises: a memory; - decoding means connected to the memory for receiving the electronic messages and decoding the coded control information and storing the decoded control information per electronic message together with the other information in the memory; transmission means connected to the memory for reading the decoded control information together with the electronic message together with the other information from the memory and for transmitting at least the said other information of the electronic message via a communication connection, selected on the basis of at least the one group of destination address information, after a period of time to be automatically controlled by the forwarding means.

Such a device is known from European patent application EP-A-0.360.732. In this European patent application such a device is called a "store and forward facility" (SAFF). Such devices are arranged between a sending fax machine and a receiving fax machine. Sending fax machines send their fax messages to such a device, after which the device stores the received fax messages in a memory. The device then determines the various communication links through which the different fax messages are to be sent to receiving fax machines. The recipients of the sent fax messages themselves can also be such devices, which are centrally arranged and are coupled to different fax machines and are arranged for distributing the received fax messages to the various receiving fax machines. The advantage of such devices between sending fax machines and receiving fax machines is in particular 1002869 2 that the sending fax machines no longer often unsuccessfully occupy, for example, long-distance connections, at times when the receiving fax machine is unable to receive a fax message, for example because it is is already receiving another fax message from another transmitting fax machine. Since the devices between the sending and receiving fax machines are provided with memories for storing various fax messages, in particular international communication connections need only be occupied once for sending international fax messages. The risk that a receiving fax machine is unable to receive a fax message then manifests itself only through multiple attempts to contact a local communication link, which is cheaper than an international communication link. In this way, more efficient use is made of telecommunication connections.

The prior art device for receiving and forwarding fax messages is indicated to be able to wait until an appropriate communication link is available before forwarding the fax message.

Furthermore, the known device indicates that it is possible for a user to contact it via a telephone line to give a priority to a particular fax message. The sending device for forwarding the relevant fax message will then assign a priority level to the relevant fax message and notify the receiving device for forwarding fax messages on the other side of the selected communication link. As a result, the receiving device for forwarding fax messages will give the relevant fax message a higher priority than the already waiting messages for a particular destination address. The communication of such a priority of a fax message has neither consequences for the choice of the type of communication link (which can be distinguished, for example, in terms of cost and quality) between the two fax message transmitting devices, nor for the length of time within which fax messages of the be sent from one facility to another. It is an object of the present invention to provide means by which an even more efficient use of in particular long-distance connections for sending electronic messages can be achieved. Electronic messages include 1002869 3 fax messages after they have been read by a fax machine, as well as messages in the context of electronic mail.

In order to achieve this objective, a device of the above-mentioned type is characterized in that the device is arranged for receiving a transmission priority code added to each destination address information and the forwarding means, during operation, automatically selecting the communication connection at least on the basis of the transmission priority code from a plurality of communication links and determining the time of transmission of the electronic message, the time being within a maximum time period determined by the transmission priority code.

The content of such a transmission priority code can be determined by the user of the transmitting device. For example, the transmission priority code can be selected from three options: 15 low, normal, high. Other options are also possible. If a high transmission priority is required, the forwarding means will select a telecommunication connection as quickly as possible, with little cost of occupying such a communication connection being taken into account. If a normal transmission priority code is provided, the forwarding means will select a communication link at a normal rate. If the user indicates a low transmission priority, the forwarding means will establish, for example within a predetermined period of time, the cheapest possible communication connection for transmitting the electronic message. The indication of a transmission priority code therefore leads to the occupation of a cheaper or more expensive communication connection, which can be made visible in the note for the sender of the electronic message. Electronic messages that have a low forwarding priority for the sender can be stored by the forwarding means until cheap communication links are available. This will lead to a more efficient use of, in particular, international communication links. For example, electronic message senders in Europe can use the transmission priority code to indicate that 35 electronic messages destined for destination addresses in the United States do not need to be sent in the United States before the business day begins. The transmitting means will then delay the forwarding of such electronic messages until the working day in the United States has begun or later, which will lead to a more efficient utilization of intercontinental telecommunications connections between Europe and the United States.

Thus, in the device according to the invention, the forwarding means 5 use a routing algorithm to select the route of forwarding the electronic message. In addition, the device can make use of various available "disparate" networks, each with its own characteristic cost and speed properties. The routing algorithm partly determines the choice on the basis of said transmission priority code.

In another embodiment, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the device is further adapted to receive a sender-client code assigned to a predetermined client and, during operation, the device automatically draws up a specified invoice for the client belonging to the sender client code. For example, sending a sender client code gives the option of drawing up a note for someone other than the sender of the electronic message in accordance with prior agreements.

Alternatively or additionally, based on the sender client code, the device may automatically determine a feedback telephone number assigned to the client for automatically providing feedback messages. Such feedback messages can relate, for example, to error messages, but also to a refusal to forward an electronic message.

Such a sender client code can either be entered by the sender on a fax cover page or printed on his fax cover page by default for the client in question. It is also conceivable that a sender client code is indicated in some other way on the fax cover sheet for the sender in question.

For example, if the invoice is made in dependence on the sender's client code, the sender will be interested in countermeasures against theft of fax cover sheets bearing such a sender's client code. To provide such a security, a device according to the invention may, for example, be characterized in that the device is further arranged for receiving the telephone number of a sender device and, during operation, the device checks whether said telephone number corresponds to 1002809 5 sender client code and, if not, does not forward the received electronic message. With such a measure, the electronic messages can only be sent from one predetermined device, the telephone number of which corresponds to the sender code. The use of fax cover pages on a different sender device will then result in the transmission of the relevant electronic message being refused.

In the aforementioned case, it is still possible to commit fraud by those who, without being authorized, send fax messages with a specific fax cover page from the corresponding sender machine. This problem is solved in a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is further arranged to receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the device, during operation, checks whether said sender client code corresponds to the Personal Identification Number and, if so does not forward the received electronic message. In that case, theft of fax cover pages no longer makes sense, because a thief generally will not know the Personal Identification Number associated with the fax cover pages. Such a Personal Identification Number can for instance be made known to the device, in that after entering the telephone number of the device for establishing a communication connection between the device and the sender device, a user also enters the Personal Identification Number.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the device may also be arranged to receive a sequence number code, wherein the device, during operation, checks whether the electronic message associated with the sequence number code may be transmitted and, if not, blocks transmission thereof. Such a sequence number code may, for example, come from a fax cover page, the sequence number code identifying the fax cover page in a clear and unique manner. Thus, for example, use of stolen fax cover pages can be blocked by reporting their sequence number codes to the administrator of the device.

A further improvement of the cost-effective use of, in particular, long-distance communication links, is achieved in a further embodiment, in which the device is further arranged for receiving a transmission quality code and the transmission means, 1002869 6 during operation, at least transmitting the other information with a the transmission quality code defined quality. For example, if a user is not interested in delivering an electronic message with the best possible quality, he provides his electronic message with a transmission quality code indicating a poor transmission quality. The forwarding means will then determine a method of forwarding the electronic message, which may provide a lower quality of the delivered electronic message. It will generally be possible to make a communication connection for this, which guarantees a lower quality, but is therefore cheaper. Such lower costs can be passed on to the customer, so that they also benefit from this.

In a further embodiment, the device is characterized in that the device is further arranged to receive a delivery reference code, selected from one of the following options: - a "direct delivery mode code", which controls the forwarding means at least to forward the other information directly to a receiver device associated with the destination address information, 20 - a "central delivery mode code", which controls the forwarding means to forward at least the other information to a central distribution device for distributing electronic messages to recipient devices disposed in the vicinity thereof, which central distribution device is selected by the forwarding means based on the distance to the address associated with the destination address information, - a "post delivery mode code", which controls the forwarding means to at least the other information , whether or not via a central distribution device, to be forwarded to a receiver Post office apparatus selected by the forwarding means based on the distance to the address associated with the destination address information.

Such a delivery method code can, for example, be entered by the user on the front page of a fax message. Other reference codes are conceivable.

35 In some cases, for example, a sender will not want the recipient of the electronic message sent to receive a copy of the cover page completed by him. This may be the case, for example, if the sender has indicated more than one addressee on the cover page and he does not want the different addressees to know that they have a copy of the electronic received the message. This can easily be solved in a further embodiment of the device, characterized in that the device is further arranged for receiving a cover page layout code, and the forwarding means, during operation, forward at least the other information provided with cover page information. wherein the forwarding means determines the content of the cover page information depending on the cover page format code. Upon receipt of such a cover page format code, the forwarding means themselves will, in accordance with predetermined instructions, compose, as it were, a new cover page which is forwarded with the other information of the electronic message. When composing a new cover page, certain data can then be omitted or added correctly.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is characterized in that the decoding means comprise "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR) means. Such Optical Character Recognition means can be used to advantage when the user independently applies, for example with a ballpoint pen, the above-mentioned different codes to a fax cover page. Such Optical Character Recognition means can then decode the codes created by the user himself, the content of which controls the transmission of the electronic message. The advantage is furthermore that existing fax machines then need not be further adapted for the invention. The codes are then provided by displaying them on the fax cover page, which is read and sent in the usual manner by a sender.

In a further embodiment, the device is characterized in that the forwarding means, during operation, arrange different electronic messages into groups selected based on their destination address information and their transmission priority code and automatically forward the groups of electronic messages in the form of contiguous blocks. Generally, the destination address information of various electronic messages will consist of telephone numbers of receiver devices. Since a device according to the invention may at one time have many electronic messages in its memory, it may be arranged to form groups of electronic messages, the destination telephone numbers of which indicate that they are in the same country or place must be delivered. These groups can then be sent simultaneously, at least along a part of the communication link, if the device has made a suitable communication link at an acceptable rate. This may mean, for example, that an intercontinental connection only has to be made once for, for example, ten different electronic messages, which leads to greater efficiency of the telecommunications network.

In a further embodiment, the forwarding means may automatically select the communication connection from, for example, one of the following possible communication connections: a telephone connection, an ISDN connection, an electronic mail connection, and any combinations thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fax cover page that allows devices of the above type to more efficiently establish (international) communication connections. Therefore, the invention also provides a fax cover sheet for cooperation with a device as defined above, said fax cover sheet comprising a group of at least one group of electronically recognizable destination address marks and a group of at least one electronically recognizable transmission priority mark, one for each group of destination address marks, wherein each group of destination address marks identifies a destination address and each transmission priority mark identifies a transmission priority to the respective destination address. Such a transmission priority mark is placed on the fax cover page by the sender himself. For example, the transmission priority mark may be selected in accordance with low, normal, or high priority for delivering the respective electronic message to the addressee, as explained above.

In a further embodiment, the fax cover page also includes electronically identifiable sender client marks for identifying a sender client. As has already been noted above, such sender client marks may be used by the electronic message forwarding device for the preparation of notes and for establishing a feedback telephone number, for example for providing error messages. For example, the sender client marks may be pre-applied.

Furthermore, the fax cover sheet may be provided with an electronically recognizable transmission quality mark, delivery mode mark and / or cover sheet mark up mark, respectively. These marks correspond to the aforementioned transmission quality code, the delivery mode code and the cover page layout code, respectively.

The present invention finds application not only in situations in which paper originals are read by a sender fax machine and sent to the electronic message transmission device. Instead, the main idea of the invention can also be applied where the message to be sent is contained in a computer memory. In fact, the electronic message then relates to electronic mail.

Therefore, the present invention also relates to a computer device having input means, display means and a processor, which is connected to both the input means and the display means 20 and which can be connected to an input / output connection for sending and receiving data, wherein the processor includes means for: receiving messages input through the input means, comprising at least control information and other information, said control information comprising at least one group of destination address information and further at least one transmission priority code associated with each group of destination address information, thereby indicating the priority, thereby the message must be sent, and formatting at least one electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means, said at least one electronic cover page comprising at least part of the control information.

In further embodiments, the computer is arranged with means for drawing up the electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means, generating the various previously mentioned codes. These codes can, for example, be entered by a user via a keyboard.

The invention also relates to methods as claimed in method claims 25 and 26. They make it clear that the essence of the invention may also be embodied in suitable software packages.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to some drawings, which are only intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it.

Figure 1 shows schematically, partly in block diagram, two devices for the transmission of electronic messages, which have been generated either by means of a fax machine or by means of a (personal) computer;

Figure 2 shows in block diagram a number of elements of a device for the transmission of electronic messages;

Figure 3 schematically shows a possible layout of a fax cover page that can be used in the device according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a computer arrangement for generating an electronic cover page in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an electronic message forwarding device 20, which is connected via a communication link 23 to a fax machine 21. In practice, the device 20 will be connected to several fax machines, but for the sake of clarity there is only one displayed.

Through a further communication link 2k, the device 20 is connected to a computer device 22, which may be a personal computer. The device 20 may be connected to multiple computers, but only one is shown for clarity.

Communication links 23 and 2k will generally be short-distance links through which telecommunications connections can be made at a local or national rate.

Via a communication link 25, the device 20 can transmit and receive electronic messages from a further fax machine 26. Generally, this will take place through the intermediary of a second device 30 for the transmission of electronic messages. The electronic message forwarding device 30 may be identical to the device 20. The device 30 is connected to the fax machine 26 via a communication link 28.

The device 30 core via a communication link 29 are connected to a computer device 27, which may be a personal computer.

Generally, the communication links 28, 29, just 1002869 11 as the communication links 23, 24 will be short-range connections. The communication link 23, on the other hand, between the devices 20 and 30 will generally be a long-distance connection, for example an intercontinental telecommunication connection between Europe and the United States.

Figure 2 shows a possible construction for the device 20. Device 30 may be constructed in the same manner.

Device 20 comprises decoding means 31, for example OCR (= Optical Character Recognition) means. The decoding means 31 are provided with an input which can be coupled to communication connections 23, 24. The decoding means 31 are provided with a first output, which is connected to an input of memory 32, and a second output, which is connected to a feedback device 34.

The memory 32 is, for example, connected via a bidirectional connection 15 to transmission means 33. It is noted that the term "memory" should be interpreted broadly. Functionally, for example, it can sometimes only be a conduit, for example when only converting from a POTS telephone line to an ISDN line.

Forwarding means 33 have a first output which can be coupled to the communication link 25 and a second output which is coupled to the feedback device 34.

Feedback device 34 has a further input which can be coupled to the communication connection 25. Also, the feedback device 34 is provided with an output which can be coupled to the communication connections 23, 24.

It is noted that the structure given in Figure 2 is only an example. For example, the organization of device 20 need not be constructed using physically separated elements. The various elements can also be designed in the form of a computer, for example in the form of a suitable software package. Of importance are only the various functions that can be performed by the elements in conjunction. These features will be explained later in the description.

Figure 3 shows a layout of a fax cover page which can be advantageously used in an apparatus according to the present invention. The fax cover page 1 contains an identification mark 18, which is for example arranged in the top left corner. The identification mark 18 can be used for various purposes. First, the 1002869 12 identifier 18 can be used to properly position the fax cover page 1 relative to the fax machine 21. Second, the identifier 18 can be used as a reference point for other codes, which are provided on the fax cover 1, and 5 which will be discussed further below.

The fax cover page 1 is further provided with the letterhead of the sender, which may be indicated in code, for example in the form of a pre-printed barcode.

Below the letterhead 2 is a space 3, in which a 10 sender client number can be included. The sender client number can be placed in specially preprinted boxes 3 (i). i = 1, 2, ..., I. The code in boxes 3 (i) uniquely identifies the sender and may be pre-printed. On the other hand, fax cover sheets 1 can also be made available in such a way that the 15 boxes 3 (i) are originally blank and must be completed by the sender himself.

Under box 3 there is a box 4, in which a sequence number code k (l), ..... 4 (N) is preprinted. The code printed therein is unique and only belongs to a single fax cover page. Such unique codes 20 can be unambiguously and reliably identified by contemporary means and cryptographic methods. They can be used to combat fraud. For example, the device 20 may be arranged to compare a received sequence number code 4 (n) with a received sender client code 3 (i) - If no predetermined relationship is established, forwarding of the fax message is refused. It may also be provided that once used fax cover pages (and thus used serial numbers) may not be used again, so that theft of used fax cover pages is pointless. In addition, a client can block the use of fax cover pages if they are stolen. However, he must then report the serial numbers of the stolen fax cover sheets to the manager of the device 20.

In space 5, a message is shown "Sent by Fax Factory®, The Netherlands", indicating that the fax cover page 1 is used to send fax messages through the electronic message forwarding device 20.

Under space 5, the fax cover page 1 has several spaces 6 (j), j = 1, 2, ... J, for recording one or more addressees of the fax message. A sender can enter the fax number of addressee j for each recipient in boxes 7 (J) specially designated for this purpose. There is also room for entering the name of the addressee and the address.

Each box 6 (j) includes at least one box 8 (j) for displaying the transmission priority. This transmission priority must be specified by the sender himself. For each addressee j, the sender can enter a different transmission priority 8 (j). For example, such a transmission priority can be selected from three options: low, normal, high. If the sender indicates a low priority, for example with a code L, this means that the relevant addressee j does not necessarily have to receive the relevant fax message immediately, but that, as far as the sender is concerned, several hours may elapse before addressee j receives the relevant fax message. Indicating a low priority will correspond to 15 lower costs for sending the fax to addressee j. This will be explained in more detail below.

Another addressee, for example addressee j + 1, is assigned a normal priority, for example indicated by N, for example. This means that addressee j + 1 must receive the relevant fax message within a normal period of time. This will generally be associated with a normal rate for sending the fax message.

On the other hand, if the sender indicates in one of the boxes 8 (j + 2) that a high transmission priority, for example indicated by H, is desired, this means that the relevant fax message must be sent to the relevant addressee j + 2 as soon as possible. sent. In general, this fax transmission will then be associated with the highest cost to the sender.

Instead of indicating the transmission priority using three codes, ie low, normal, high, other codes for the transmission priority 8 (j) can also be used. In this way it is also possible that the user has a number 1, 2, 3 in each of the boxes 8 (j). fill in. For example, if a user enters "4" in box 8 (j), this means that the recipient in question must receive the j in question within four hours. The system then has the flexibility to search within those four hours for the most, i.e. generally the cheapest, communication route for sending the relevant fax message. In 1002869 H * in general, the costs passed on to the sender may be lower if the sender provides a higher number of hours for the forwarding of the relevant fax message.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that only a division is made between night and day rates.

It is also possible for a user to leave a box 8 (j) open, which will be interpreted by the device 20 as a "default" value, for example indicating a normal transmission priority.

The device 20 determines on the basis of a routing algorithm 10 the most appropriate route in terms of cost and quality within the maximum period of time determined by the transmission priority code 8 (j).

Below the spaces 6 (j) for indicating the addressees is a space 9 for displaying acknowledgment of receipt. In box 10, the sender can indicate by means of a code 15 whether he wants to receive confirmation of the receipt of the fax message in question.

Below space 9 is a space 11, with boxes 11 (1), 11 (2) for displaying the number of pages sent. Although two boxes are indicated, more boxes may of course be provided. Boxes 11 (1), 11 (2) must be completed by the sender. The number of pages sent by the sender entered can optionally be used by the device 20 to check whether all pages have been read and are present in the device 20 for forwarding at an appropriate time. If not, the device 20 can possibly give an error message.

In room 12 the sender can, in a box 13, indicate the transmission quality by means of a code. To this end, the user can choose, for example, from low, normal and high transmission quality. The lower the desired transmission quality, the lower the costs that can be charged to the sender. In general, lower transmission quality means less high utilization of communication links, so that providing this option allows for further enhancement of the cost effective use of communication links. After all, the lower the desired transmission quality, the more space will remain on communication connections for other electronic messages.

In space 14, the option is provided, via a box 15., for the sender to determine the manner of delivery of the relevant fax message 1 0 0 2 0 15. For example, the sender can choose from three different forms of delivery: direct delivery of the fax message through the addressee's fax machine 26, delivery through the addressee's computer 27, or delivery to the addressee's nearest post office, possibly registered or by express. If the sender wishes to make use of the latter option, he must, for example, not enter the fax number of the addressee j in the relevant addressee in the relevant box 7 (j), but a telephone number. The device 30, which is arranged for distributing received fax messages to the various fax machines 26 and the computers 27, then automatically detects that no fax machine corresponds to the specified fax number, but a telephone number. The device 30 can then use this information to determine the fax number of the nearest post office 15. Subsequently, the device 30 sends the relevant fax message to the relevant post office, stating that the relevant fax message must then be delivered to the addressee j via the normal postal channels. Of course, additional costs will be charged for this. Other forms of reading are also conceivable. For example, the device 30 stores the relevant fax message in its own memory and waits until the addressee j gives a sign that the relevant fax message can be forwarded to its fax machine 26.

Finally, under space 14 there is a space 16 with a box 17. The sender can indicate in box 17 whether he wishes to forward the fax cover page 1, as shown in figure 3., or whether he wants that the device 20 prepares a standard fax cover page for each addressee. The device 20 may then be programmed to omit the data of the other addressees if it prepares a standard fax cover page. An addressee then does not know which other addressees have also received the relevant fax message, which can sometimes be advantageous.

The distance from each of the squares 3 (i), 7 (j). 8 (j), 10. 11 (1), 35 11 (2), 13, 15. 17 until the mark 18 is predefined.

If a fax machine 21 reads the appropriate fax cover page, this means that the flow of information sent via communication link 23 to the device 20 contains information from these boxes 1 o 0 2 η 1 9 16, which is timed at a predetermined distance from the mark 18. The device 20 therefore knows which information corresponds to codes entered by the sender in the relevant boxes.

5 Alternatively, each of boxes 3 (i), 7 (j), 8 (j), 10, 11 (1), 11 (2), 13, 15 and 17 is provided with an OCR identification code, each of which uniquely identifies these boxes. Then recognition of the distance to identification mark 4 is no longer necessary.

Although it has been described above that boxes 9, 12, 14 and 16 appear only once, it is possible to include such boxes per addressee.

For example, the device of Figures 1 and 2 operates as follows. The decoding means 31 receives the fax message as read in by the fax machine 21. First of all, the decoding means 15 receive the fax cover page 1 converted into electrical signals. In one embodiment, it is provided that the sender uses various characters 3 (i) ·· · 17. In that case, the decoding means 31 comprise OCR means for recognizing said characters. However, it is also conceivable that, for example, the client number 3 is preprinted in the form of a barcode on the fax cover page 1 belonging to the relevant client. In that case the decoding means 31 must also comprise means for analyzing barcodes.

The decoding means 31 decodes the information from the boxes 25 3 (i), * »(η), 7 (j). 8 (j), 10, 11 (1), 11 (2), 13. 15 and 17- The content of the code deposited therein is the control and control information for the device 20. After decoding it, this control information is combined with the rest of the fax message stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 is such that a large amount of fax messages can be stored therein. The decoding means 31 may be equipped to maintain various connections to various fax machines simultaneously and to simultaneously store the various fax messages transmitted thereby in the memory 32. This prevents a communication connection to the decoding means 31 from having a high probability of being occupied.

The forwarding means 33 reads out the memory 32 and determines the transmission priority, as indicated via the boxes 8 (j), per addressee of each fax message. In prior art devices 20 of the prior art 10028 '1 17, the forwarding means 33 selects the communication link 25 in accordance with the fax number 7 (j) indicated by the sender per addressee j · The time of sending the relevant fax message may be in a device 20 according to the prior art, until a suitable communication link 23 is available. In accordance with the present invention, the forwarding means 33 · during operation, both the communication link and the time of forwarding of the respective fax message automatically determine based on the respective transmission priority 8 (j), as filled in by the sender associated with addressee j. In the system according to the invention therefore has the possibility for the sender to influence the forwarding of the relevant fax message. To this end, the sender provides the control information via box 8 (j).

For example, if a sender has indicated a low transmission priority for the addressee j via the relevant box 8 (j), this is, for example, translated by the forwarding means 33 into a control instruction, which corresponds to the necessity of sending the relevant fax message to the relevant addressee. j within a predetermined period of time, for example ten hours. The forwarding means 33 then determine within those ten hours when the relevant fax message can be sent cheapest to the addressee j. This gives the forwarding means ten hours to select a suitable communication link 25 from various available communication links, which differ in costs. and quality. This allows the forwarding means 33 to efficiently divide the forwarding of fax messages over time. This means a more efficient use of the communication link 25. As a result, the need to expand communication links 25 will be felt less quickly.

If, on the other hand, a sender has entered a high priority in box 8 (j) of addressee j, this is translated by the forwarding means 33 into the instruction to forward the relevant fax message as soon as possible, regardless of the necessary costs. This may mean that the forwarding means 33 forward the relevant fax message to the addressee via a very expensive communication connection 25, for example from the ISDN network.

If a sender indicates in box 8 (j) that the relevant fax message must be sent with a normal transmission sleep message, this is interpreted by the forwarding means 33, for example, as an instruction to send the relevant fax message to the addressee j, for example, within one hour. forward.

Since currently highly reliable OCR resources are available on the market, existing fax machines 21 for the system of the invention need not be changed. A sender can simply indicate the desired transmission priority in boxes 8 (j) using a ballpoint pen or other means, which can be analyzed in the device 20 itself using the said OCR means. Therefore, only modifications to the device 20 are necessary to implement the invention.

If the forwarding means 33 detect an error in any way, for instance that the number of pages 15 specified in space 11 does not correspond to the number of pages stored in the memory 32, the forwarding means 33 give an error message to feedback device 34. Based on this, the feedback device 34 collects an error message for the relevant sender. The feedback device 31 sends this error message, for example, via the communication link 23 to which fax machine 21 is connected, so that the error message appears on fax machine 21 in the form of a fax message. It is also conceivable that the feedback device 34 determines, on the basis of the client number, which has been entered in box 3 (i), a telephone number of the sender and subsequently contacts this telephone set. 25 With the help of automatic voice messages, an error message can then be passed on via such a telephone.

Errors can also occur at an earlier stage. For example, the sender may have forgotten to enter his client number in boxes 3 (i). In that case, this can already be determined, for example, by the decoration means 31. The decoding means 31 then send an error signal to the feedback device 34, which on the basis thereof compiles a feedback message for the sender.

In figure 2 it is indicated that the feedback device 34 also has an input which is connected to communication connection 25. This schematically indicates that fax messages sent by other fax machines 26 are collected by the feedback device 34 and are conveniently forwarded to fax machine 21. It should be noted that the receipt of fax messages via communication link 25 and i) 19 communication link 25 and the transmission thereof via communication link 23 can also be effected by separate means within the device 20. These are not further shown, because they are not essential for the present invention.

The device 20 can enter the client number entered or printed by the client in boxes 3 (i). Use to prepare a specified note for the relevant sender. This invoice can then, for example, be sent to a different address agreed in advance than the sender's address, which is stated in room 2 on fax cover 1.

The forwarding means can use the indicated transmission quality in box 13 to reduce the information density to be transmitted. For example, if a sender indicates only a poor quality, the forwarding means 33 can compress the relevant fax message 15 in information such that less space will be required on the communication link 25 than for a high quality fax message to be transmitted. Any known form of data compression can be used for this, for both analog and digital data transfer. Partly depending on the desired transmission quality, the forwarding means 33 can, for example, choose from the following possible communication connections: a usual telephone connection, an ISDN connection, an electronic mail connection, or combinations thereof.

Instead of one box 13 per fax cover page 1, a transmission quality code can also be included as an alternative to each box 6 (j), so that the transmission quality can be controlled per addressee.

The forwarding means derive the desired delivery method from the code entered in box 15 by a sender. For example, a sender can choose from three different delivery modes, either directly to fax machine 26, or indirectly through device 30, which first collects various fax messages before forwarding them, or through the nearest post office. This has already been explained above.

The forwarding means 33 will translate the code 35 shown in box 17 into an instruction whether or not to automatically prepare a fax cover page for the relevant sender. In addition, various parts of the information on the fax cover page 1 may be omitted, in accordance with prior arrangements with the sender. This also provides the possibility that in room 2 the sender is only displayed in the form of, for example, a bar code, which can then be translated into an alpha-numerical representation by the forwarding means 33.

In the embodiment, in which the device 20 is constructed such that, based on the client number, as shown in boxes 3 (i) and associated serial number codes 4 (n) for verification, it prepares specified notes for the sender, and the note address is derived from the specified client number, fax-10 cover sheets 1 just preprinted client numbers represent a value. In that case, it is desirable to provide security against theft of such fax cover sheets. Such a security can be, for example, that the device 20 is arranged for comparing the client number with the telephone number of the fax machine 21, which sends the relevant fax message. For example, there may be a firm relationship between the client number and the fax machine 21. If this firm relationship is not established by the device 20, the device 20 decides not to forward the relevant fax message. This can be indicated on the fax machine 21 by the feedback device 3. However, this does not exclude fraud entirely, because an unauthorized person can still send a fax message with the relevant fax machine 21.

Further reduction of fraud opportunities is provided if a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is to be provided by the sender. This can happen, for example, in that the sender enters his PIN after entering the telephone number of the device 20 for establishing the communication connection 23. For such an embodiment, no changes to existing fax machines are necessary if the PIN in device 20 is checked. As an alternative, existing fax machines can also be adapted to read magnetic cards or chip cards with the relevant PIN. If the device 20 requires that the PIN does not correspond to the expected PIN at the relevant fax cover page 1, 35, the device 20 will refuse the forwarding of the relevant fax message. This can be made known to the fax machine 21 from which it is attempted to send the relevant fax message by means of feedback device 3 ^.

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21

Prevention of fraud after theft can be further realized with the use of unique serial number codes 4 (1), ..... 4 (N), as explained earlier.

If at a given time several messages are stored in the memory 32, the forwarding means 33 can be the fax numbers 7 (j). compare different fax messages. The forwarding means 33 can compose groups of fax messages to be sent on the basis thereof. Each of such groups is then composed on the basis of the destination address, in short on the basis of the geographic location of destination of the relevant fax messages. This can be recognized by the numbers of the fax numbers. For example, the forwarding means 33 may collect various fax messages to be sent to the United States from a particular location in Europe within a predetermined time. For these fax messages, the forwarding means must then be sent only within a time determined by the transmission priorities 8 (j). Within this time, however, they can be sent as a group once the forwarding means have occupied a communication link 25 to be shared for all fax messages within a given group. The joint transmission of various fax messages in blocks via a single busy communication link 25 improves the efficiency of existing communication links. Thus, by providing transmission priorities, the forwarding means can use the communication links 25 even more efficiently.

The principle of the present invention also applies to systems in which paper originals are no longer used, but in which the originals of a text are stored in a computer memory and must be sent via a telecommunication network to another fax machine or another computer . Use can be made here of an arrangement according to Figure 4, in which the (personal) computer 22 is shown schematically. The computer 22 comprises a processor 42, which can be connected to the device 20 via a communication link 24. The processor 35 42 is also connected to a keyboard 40 provided with keys 41 and to a display unit 43. The processor 42 is conventionally provided with a memory (not shown) in which suitable software can be stored. The processor 42 is programmed such that the user can display a fax cover page on the display means 43 using keyboard 40 and display the desired codes 3 (i), 7 (j), 8 {j) on it. 10, 11 {1), 11 (2), 13, 15. 17. Therefore, the processor 42 may be provided with software for drawing up an electronic cover page containing the control information in the form of the above-mentioned encodings. Such an electronic cover page can be added to information stored in the memory (not shown) of the processor to be sent to a fax machine 26 or a computer 27 via the system shown in Figure 1.

On the electronic cover page, the user enters at least one transmission priority code 8 (j). This transmission priority code 8 (j) is then used by the device 20 for the most efficient use of, in particular international, telecommunications connections 25, as explained above.

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Claims (25)

An apparatus (20) for receiving and transmitting electronic messages, each comprising at least a portion of encoded control information (3. 7 (j), 8 (d). 10. 13. 15. 17) and other information, which control information includes at least one group of destination address information (7 (d)), and which device includes: a memory (32); 10. decoding means (31) connected to the memory (32) for receiving the electronic messages and decoding the encoded control information and storing the decoded control information by electronic message along with the other information in the memory (32); 15. Forwarding means (33) connected to the memory (32) for reading the decoded control information by electronic message together with the other information from the memory (32) and for transmitting at least the said other information from the electronic message via a communication link (25), selected on the basis of at least one group of destination address information, after a period of time to be automatically controlled by the forwarding means, characterized in that the device is arranged to receive a destination address information ( 7 (j)) added transmission priority code (8 (j)) and the transmission means (33). during operation, at least based on the transmission priority code, automatically selecting the communication link (25) from a plurality of communication links and determining the time of transmission of the electronic message, the time being within a maximum time period determined by the transmission priority code. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is further arranged to receive a sender client code (3 (1). ···. 3 (1)) assigned to a predetermined client and the device, during company, automatically prepares a specified note for the client associated with the sender client code. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is further arranged to receive a sender client code (3 (1) »... 3 (1)) assigned to a client determined in advance, and the device, during company, automatically determines a feedback telephone number assigned to the predetermined client based on the sender client code for automatically providing feedback messages. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the device is further arranged for receiving the telephone number of a sender device (21, 22) and the device, during operation, checks whether said telephone number corresponds to the sender client code and, if not, does not forward the received electronic message. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the device is further arranged to receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the device, during operation, checks whether said sender client code corresponds to the Personal Identification Number and, if not, does not forward the received electronic message. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the device is further arranged to receive a sequence number code (4 (1), ..... 4 (N)), and the device (20), during operation, checks whether the electronic message associated with the sequence number code may be transmitted and, if not, blocks its transmission. 7- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. that the forwarding means, during operation, sends the electronic message to more than one destination address based on the destination address information. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in. that the device is further adapted to receive a transmission quality code (13) and the forwarding means (33). during operation, at least forward the other information with a quality determined by the transmission quality code. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. that the device is further arranged to receive a delivery mode code (13). selected from one of the following options: a "direct delivery method code", which controls the forwarding means to forward at least the remaining information directly asm a receiver 1002869 (26, 27) associated with the destination address information; - a "central delivery method code", which controls the forwarding means to forward at least the remaining information to a central distribution device (30) for distributing electronic messages to receiver devices arranged in the vicinity (26, 27 ), which central distribution device (30) is selected by the forwarding means (33) based on the distance from the address associated with the destination address information; - a "post delivery method code", which controls the forwarding means to transmit at least the remaining information, whether or not via a central distribution device (30), to a recipient device of a post office, which is transmitted by the forwarding means (33). selected based on the distance to the address associated with the destination address information. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in. that the apparatus is further adapted to receive a cover page layout code (17), and the forwarding means (33). during operation, at least the other information is forwarded provided with cover sheet information, the forwarding means (33) determining the content of the cover sheet information in dependence on the cover sheet layout code. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in. that the decoding means (31) comprise "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR) means. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in. that the forwarding means (33). during operation, arranging various electronic messages into groups selected based on their destination address information (7 (j)) and their transmission priority code (8 {j)) and the groups of electronic messages automatically forward in the form of contiguous blocks. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in. that the forwarding means (33). during operation, select the communication link (25) from one of the following possible communication links: a telephone connection, an ISDN connection, an electronic mail connection, and any combinations thereof. A fax cover sheet for cooperating with an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a group of at least one group of electronically recognizable destination address marks (7 (j)) and a 1002869 group of at least one electronically recognizable transmission priority mark (8 (j)) , one for each group of destination address marks (7 (j)). wherein each group of destination address marks (7 (j)) identifies a destination address and each transmission priority mark -5 character 8 (j)) identifies a transmission priority to the respective destination address. Fax cover page according to claim 1 * 1, characterized in that it further comprises electronically recognizable sender client mark characters (3 (i)) for identifying a sender client. 1016. Fax cover page according to claim 1 or 15, characterized in that it further comprises an electronically recognizable serial number code (4 (1), ..... 4 {N)) for uniquely identifying the fax cover page. Fax cover page according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it further comprises an electronically recognizable transmission quality mark (13) for identifying a desired transmission quality. Fax cover page according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises an electronically recognizable delivery mode mark (15) for identifying a desired delivery mode selected from one of the following options: a "direct delivery method code" for controlling the forwarding means (33) to forward the message directly to a receiver device (26, 27) associated with the destination address information; 25. a "central delivery method code" for controlling the forwarding means (33) to forward the message to a central distribution device (30) for distributing electronic messages to recipient devices (26, located nearby), 27), which central distribution device (30) is selected by the forwarding means (33) 30 based on the distance from the address associated with the destination address information; a "post delivery method code" for controlling the forwarding means (33) to forward the message, whether or not through a central distribution device (30), to a recipient of a post office, which is transmitted by the forwarding means (33) is selected based on the distance to the address associated with the destination address information. Fax cover page according to any one of claims 14 to 18, 10. characterized in that it further comprises an electronically recognizable cover page layout mark (17) for indicating to the forwarding means (33) whether to compile this cover page information or not. A computer device (22) comprising input means (40), display means (43) and a processor (42), which is connected to both the input means and the display means and can be connected to a communication connection (24) for sending and receiving of data, the processor (42) being provided with means for: 10 - receiving messages entered via the input means (40), containing at least control information (3, 4, 7 (j), 8 (j), 10, 13, 15-17) and other information, which control information includes at least one group of destination address information (7 (j)) and further at least one transmission priority code (8 (j)) associated with each group of destination address information (7 (j)) for indicating the priority with which the message is to be sent, - formatting at least one electronic cover sheet and displaying it on the display means, which at least one electronic cover sheet forms at least part of the control includes information having the at least one transmission priority code (8 (j)), and transmitting the electronic message via the communication link (24) to a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 21. Computer device according to claim 20, characterized in that the means for drawing up the electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means have a sender client code (3 (1)) and an associated serial number code (4 (n)) generate control to identify the sender of the electronic message. Computer device according to any one of claims 20 or 21, 30, characterized in that the means for formatting the electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means generate a transmission quality code (13) for determining the transmission quality of the electronic message . Computer device according to any one of claims 20 to 35, net 22, characterized in that the means for drawing up the electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means generate a delivery mode code (15) for determining the manner in which the electronic message must be delivered to the address 1002869 corresponding to the destination address information (7 (j)). Computer device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in. that the means for formatting the electronic cover page and displaying it on the display means 5 generate a cover page format code (17) for controlling the layout of the fax cover page as delivered to the address corresponding to the destination address information (7 (j)) · 25. Method for receiving and transmitting electronic messages, each comprising at least a part with coded control information (3, 4, 7 (j), 8 (j), 10, 13, 15, 17) and other information, which control information comprises at least one group of destination address information (7 (j)), comprising the following steps: - decoding the encoded control information and storing the decoded control information together with the other information in a memory (32) by electronic message ; reading the decoded control information by electronic message together with the other information from the memory (32) and transmitting at least the said other information from the electronic message via a communication link 20 (25) selected on the basis of at least one destination group address information, after an automatically controllable period of time, characterized by receiving a transmission priority code (8 (j)) added to each destination address information (7 (J)) and automatically selecting the communication link (25 based on the transmission priority code 25) ) from a plurality of communication links and determining the time of transmission of the electronic message, the time being within a maximum time period determined by the transmission priority code. 26. Method for controlling a computer device (22) 30 comprising input means (40), display means (43) and a processor (42), which is connected to both the input means and the display means and can be connected to a communication connection (24) for transmitting and receiving data, comprising the following steps: 35. receiving messages entered via the input means (40), containing at least control information (3. 4, 7 (d). 8 (j), 10, 13, 15, 17) and other information, which control information includes at least one group of destination address information (7 (j)) and further at least 1 0 0 '- "9 ...... 1 29 at least one of each group of destination address information (7 (J )) associated transmission priority code (8 (j)) for indicating the priority with which the message is to be sent, - formatting at least one electronic cover sheet and displaying it on the display means, which at least one electronic cover sheet comprising at least a portion of the control information with the at least one transmission priority (8 (j)), and transmitting the electronic message via the communication link (24) to a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 · 100,869